The Port of Eden is one step closer to being a safer harbour with new marine and economic opportunities, following the award of a tender to build a wave attenuator.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Member for Bega Andrew Constance made the announcement at Friday morning's official opening of the Eden Welcome Centre, much to the delight of the crowd, which included long-time proponent of a marina in Eden Rob Bain.
Mr Constance said the wave attenuator will calm wave activity in the cove, provide a safe harbour for local and visiting vessels, and protect our valuable maritime infrastructure.
He said the tender was worth $27million. In 2020, the state government committed to a budget of $19million, but plans went awry when tenders were received closer to the $30m mark before the porject was put out for competitive tender.
"Providing a safe harbour will enhance Eden's reputation as a safe boating destination which will stimulate local investment in the maritime and tourism sectors," Mr Constance said.
"Exposure to significant wind and wave conditions in the working port had historically limited the recreational, commercial and port vessel operations on the NSW far South Coast.
"The effects of the wave action in this exposed part of the NSW coast will be reduced with the help of this new, impressive piece of infrastructure by September next year.
"Several proposals were received after the call went out in October last year to build this unique piece of infrastructure for the marine precinct," Mr Constance said.
"Austral Construction Pty Ltd provided the best fit for the project brief and also has a proven record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, including the recently upgraded Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal wharf and the piling package on the Nowra Bridge.
"Building work on the 366 metre, fixed panel wave attenuator is expected to start towards the end of the year. This will take place on site and involve the construction of steel tubular piles and pre-cast units.
"The design of wave attenuator was developed based on extensive site-specific wave data, weather history, environmental and geotechnical conditions plus ship and vessel simulations.
This will be another major project for Eden that will provide further economic uplift to the town and our broader region," Mr Constance said.
The community will be kept informed as the project continues and in advance of any work taking place.
